Our Perspective
Headline
Queer Worker
Issues are
All Workers’ Issues
By Stuart Appelbaum, President
Retail, Wholesale and Department
Store Union, UFCW
Twitter: @sappelbaum
As we celebrate Pride in New York and
beyond, It’s important to take note of the
many gains LGBTQIA+ workers have
made in recent years with the help of union
representation. Queer issues on the job — the need for a safe working
environment, financial security, benefits, and a voice at work — are the
same issues that are important to all working people. And that’s why it’s
so important for all working people that we continue to uplift queer
workers voices and improve their jobs and their lives as we continue to
fight to lift all working people higher. When one group of workers
becomes stronger, all workers become stronger.
In 2016 and 2017, the RWDSU brought a voice to the predominantly
queer workforce at adult toy retailers Babeland and Pleasure Chest in
New York City. These were historic organizing wins, representing the first
sex shop workers to win a union voice and soon after, the first sex shop
workers to win union contracts. These workers centered their organizing
campaign around improving working conditions and ensuring the safety
and security of employees in the stores. They won provisions that
included training on gender and social equity for all management,
vendors, and employees at these retailers; even the workers delivering
mail received a primer on social privilege that made them sensitive to the
concerns of workers in the industry and the Queer community. Like all
union workers, the contract was tailored to address the specific issues
these workers faced, and union membership and their union contracts
transformed their workplaces into safer, more secure places to work.
Last year, in one of the biggest organizing victories of 2020 anywhere,
over 600 employees at Housing Works in New York City won their
RWDSU organizing drive. The new RWDSU members at Housing Works
— a non-profit organization that serves individuals living with HIV/AIDS
and experiencing homelessness serve a predominantly LGBTQIA+ client
base, and many of the workforce come from the Queer community. These
workers sought better healthcare and pay, but most importantly, they
sought more manageable caseloads and a say in client care. By organizing
to form the Housing Works Union with the RWDSU, workers there will not
only improve their work experience, they’ll be able to provide better care
for their clients. By winning a union voice, Housing Works employees will
help strengthen the Queer community in New York.
Different types of workers in different occupations have different
needs, but all workers deserve to have their concerns heard and their
issues addressed, and that’s what a union voice is all about. As we
celebrate the continued progress being made by the Queer community,
it’s important to note that the labor movement is for everyone and there
is power in all of us coming together. We are proud of the
progress we’ve made together, but we know that it’s
just the beginning. By working together, we can
create a world where all working people —
regardless of race, sexuality, or gender —
have their voices heard.
www.rwdsu.org
2021
PRIDEFEST
at Queens College
Friday, June 25, 2021
4–6 pm
A virtual program featuring
live music, drag performances, DJ,
photo booth, and more . . .
Watch on YouTube:
www.tinyurl.com/CUNYpride21
The 2021 CUNY PRIDEFEST at Queens College is
made possible through the generous support of LaGuardia
Community College/CUNY and the New York City Council
through the offices of Daniel Dromm (District 25) and
Speaker Corey Johnson.
GayCityNews.com | June 24 - June 30, 2021 63
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/CUNYpride21
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/GayCityNews.com
